Moving can be a stressful time, and one of the last things you want to worry about is damaging your beautiful engineered hardwood floors. With a few simple tips, you can protect your floors and ensure they stay in top condition during the move.
Prepare Your Floors Before Moving Day
To maintain the quality of your engineered hardwood floors, it’s essential to prepare them before moving day. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the floors, and removing any dirt, dust, or debris. Use either a vacuum cleaner or a soft broom to clean the floors, paying special attention to corners and edges.
After cleaning, apply a protective finish to guard against scratches and dents from heavy furniture and moving boxes. Select a finish that works well with your floors and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Allow ample drying time before moving any furniture or boxes onto the floors.
Use Furniture Sliders
Using furniture sliders when moving heavy furniture can be crucial for protecting your engineered hardwood floors. These sliders, often made of felt or plastic, minimize friction between furniture legs and the floor, preventing scratches or dents. Just position a slider beneath every leg or corner for effortless sliding.
Choose felt sliders for hardwood floors and plastic sliders for carpeted floors. Ensure sliders are clean and debris-free before use to prevent unintentional scratching. Sliders not only protect floors during moves but also aid in furniture rearrangement without damage.
Avoid Dragging Heavy Items
To prevent surface scratches, avoid dragging heavy items across engineered hardwood floors. Lift carefully using proper techniques or use a dolly. Furniture sliders can also help transport heavy items safely without damaging the floor.
Dollies distribute weight evenly, reducing floor damage risk when moving heavy items. Ensure dolly wheels are clean and in good condition. Use straps to secure items. This protects engineered hardwood floors from damage during the moving process.
Lay Down Protective Flooring
Consider laying down protective flooring, such as cardboard, foam, or carpet remnants, in high-traffic areas to protect your floors from scratches and dents during the move. These protective coverings can help absorb impact and prevent damage.
Use Furniture Pads
Add furniture pads under furniture legs to protect engineered wood floors from scratches or dents. Furniture pads, specifically designed for engineered wood flooring protection, are small felt or rubber pads that can be easily attached to the legs of furniture to provide a cushioned barrier.
Precautions for Severe Weather
If you are moving during severe weather, take extra precautions to protect your engineered hardwood floors. Consider using waterproof coverings to protect your floors from moisture. If possible, avoid moving furniture and boxes during heavy rain or snowfall.
Conclusion
Ensuring the protection of your engineered hardwood floors during a move is vital to maintaining their top condition. By following these tips and taking extra precautions during severe weather, you can help prevent damage to your floors and enjoy them for years to come in your new home.
